Apparatus and method to monitor body temperature

• US 7,448,874 B2
• Filed: 04/19/2006
• Issued: 11/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Martha J. Willis Revokable Living Trust
• Original Assignee: Martha J. Willis Revokable Living Trust
• Inventors: Willis, Richard Andrew
• Primary Examiner(s): Gilman; Alexander
• Application Number:
  US11/407,516
• Publication Number:
  US 20060235328A1
• Time in Patent Office: 937 Days
• Field of Search: 439/37, 439/630, 439492-499, 439/354, 455/333, 455/309, 340/870, 340/16, 43/1, 245/8, 2 6/9, 600/388, 600/547, 600/549
• US Class Current: 439/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/015 By temperature mapping of body part
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/02 Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/022 for recording
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/20 Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals

Abstract

An apparatus is provided which is made of a garment having at least one connector to receive an electronic transmission module and an electronic monitor configured to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from the electronic transmission module. The garment includes a sensor to detect the temperature of the wearer. This invention also provides a connector for making an electrical connection. This invention also provides a method for monitoring the body temperature of the wearer.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a garment;

at least one sensor positioned in said garment to obtain a temperature reading of a wearer of said garment;

means to electronically connect said at least one sensor to an at least one connector;

least one connector comprising;

an insertion portion with connection pads configured to connect to a receiver;

a noninsertion portion with solder points for connecting to said at least one sensor;

a water proof housing covering said solder points; and

means to permanently attach said connector to said garment;

an electronic transmission module comprising a receiver configured to connect with said plurality of connective pads.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electronic monitor to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from said electronic transmission module.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electronic monitor comprises a device wherein said device conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Standard.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic transmission module comprises a device wherein said device conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Standard.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means to extend electronic transmission range of said electronic transmission module.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means to extend electronic transmission range of said electronic transmission module is a range extender.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said range extender comprises a device, wherein said device conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Standard.

8. A method for monitoring the body temperature of an individual, the method comprising the steps of:

placing the garment of claim 1 on an individual;

determining a body temperature from said sensor;

communicating the body temperature from the individual to an electronic monitor over a local wireless connection, wherein said electronic monitor is configured to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from said electronic transmission module; and

displaying the body temperature on said electronic monitor.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of extending electronic transmission range between the electronic transmission module and the electronic monitor with a range extender.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of announcing the body temperature of said electronic monitor.